Everyone gathered for the Christmas Day run at Hon Ru Ri café hoping that the area near Nui Dinh will be decorated and there will be a prize for the best Santa costume.We picked up the Hope Solo’s and Terminator families on the way, then it was “On On” to the Mountain Cross (religious site on a small'ish hill west of Ba Ria).We dismounted near the lake and Basil gave his chalk-talk, explaining that we would walk through the village and then after we see the road split, turn left and go up the stairs to the Cross, take a break for some photos, and finally go down to the bus near the lake for the Circle and Down Downs.We walked to the mountain to see if the rumour about the area being decorated is true, and we saw that a big tree was indeed decorated – better than nothing!We climbed the stairs and were followed by some groups of teenagers who wanted to view the scenery from the top. New Hashers also took the chance to take some photos looking over a local township outside Ba Ria city.As we reached the top side, Hope Solo and her group had conquered the peak to bring her offering of flowers to the Ave Maria statue. Many happy Hashers took a lot of photos at the peak.Then we all headed down to the bus where the icy cold San Miguels were waiting. We quenched our thirst and washed down some delicious Russian food, as well as fruit courtesy of Hope Solo. We strolled around the lake but had to be careful of the local landowner who wants to be paid by people taking photos!We eventually took a team photo and started the Circle. A welcome message first, then Basil invited himself into the Circle because he was the Live Hare, and he reminded the Circle that today is Christmas – so the trail was awarded 10/10.Then we welcomed Hash Virgins Tomoko from Japan and George from Denmark (George introduced by Kim) – they had no prior knowledge about “Hash”; we also welcomed Ms Loan, introduced by Chippy. A Hash welcoming song was in order!Also we welcomed Visitor Jim “Dogass” who was told about VTH3 by Big Mac (Jim has visited Hashes in Cambodia, Saudi Arabia, Thailand and more). We also welcomed back Returnees Alex and wife Taniya, with their excuse of “working offshore”.Since today is Christmas, there are no Sinners – and we now invited those Hashers wearing Red into the Circle to choose one as the Winner for “Best Santa costume”, and everyone chose Super Teen for her magnificent Russian traditional custom dress which was made by Mother Teresa (and the prize was collected by Terminator, so it was a combined family effort!) – see photo gallery below, including team photo at end!It was then announced that next week’s trail has been set by Perro Caliente and his wife Suction Cup – it’s a new trail on Small Mountain: "A small step for a BIG year to come”! Then we all headed home as Happy Hashers with “We wish you a Merry Christmas…” songs on the bus!We’ll meet again on Sunday, as usual, at Hon Ru Ri: 2 pm for 2.30 pm start on what will be the never-to-be-repeated 1st run of 2017 and 1st run of VTH3's 25th year of operation! Don't miss it!On On!

Christmas greetings from Anatoly Bakhtiyarov (Ak Bars):Hello friends!Merry Christmas!I wish you to spend this time fun!I remember You and I love You!Ak Bars